Rover Oaks Pet Resort

We have worked with Dean and Charla for several months.

First, a word of caution about other dog trainers. Your dog has a window of opportunity when he or she is young to learn the essentials of good, social behavior. Once that window closes, retraining is difficult. We made the mistake of using :supermarket" trainers early and they were inexperienced for the types of issues our dog was having. It ended up being a huge waste of money, and our problems remained.

So . . . . if you want the job done right, you have to go to real professionals, and that's what Charla and Dean at Rover Oaks are. Both of them have real experience in dog training and have worked with service animals, etc.

We have had many weeks of experience with both of them and found them to be consistently patient and intelligent in their approach to our dog.

I think their proces are definately the "market" rate, and not more expensive than others despite what you might think from the label "pet resort." In fact, you will waste far more money on useless devices and poor training if you go elsewhere.

Pros: Expertise, patience, amazing faciliites

Cons: full schedule, so call early

Posted 10/02/09

I have been taking my dog to Rover Oaks for years to board and recently started her with Doggie Daycare. I don't usually write reviews but felt it's important to tell anyone who reads this about a remarkable job they did taking care of my 5.5-year old dog back in August.

As I was walking into the store, carrying more than I should, my dog was so energetic to get inside that I accidentally slammed the door on her paw. It gashed her VERY badly, and she was bleeding all over the place. I was in tears upset about leaving her but I had to catch a flight and they said they would take her to the vet if needed and would watch her. Since I've used them for so long, I trusted them and left, as hard as it was.

I called back in between flights and found out not only were they watching her, they kept her in the office with them to really monitor her and give her special attention. I was not expecting that and they told me she was doing great and no need to take her to the vet afterall since she had a minor tear on her pad and it had stopped bleeding and was clean.

I have never worried once about leaving my pet (now pets as there's another addition) there because each time she comes home healthy and happy to see me and she LOVES doggie daycare. Rover Oaks is great!!

Pros: Clean, GREAT staff, good hours

Cons: They book up for holidays several months in advance

Posted 09/01/09

For those of us with furry children, and you know who you are, there is nothing more concerning than having to leave town and wondering if your child will be well taken care of while you are gone. I've been known to drive 5 hours just to drop off my dog with my mother so that he would be with people he knows and get the love and attention he deserves.

Rover Oaks totally understands me!!! The staff all obviously love animals and they make sure that everything my dog wants and needs is available. He's always happy and healthy when I get home. I've used the grooming services as well and with a bearded collie, you need a GOOD groomer. They did a great job and left absolutely no nicks or cuts.

I highly recommend Rover Oaks to anyone who loves your pet.

Pros: Great Facilities; Caring and Attentive Staff

Cons: Your dog may not miss you much

Posted 08/26/09

To most of us, our 4-legged companions are much like our children or grandchildren. We, as pet owners, would not leave ?our kids? with just anyone, be it, daycare, boarding, training or grooming. Our family, including our 3 ?kids? (doggies), have been very satisfied customers of Rover Oaks Pet Resort for over 7 years. I look to my ?kids? to tell me how happy they are at Rover Oaks. When my car exits the freeway at Kirby, the ?kids? start howling, and, by the time we pull into the driveway at Rover Oaks, everyone within a mile knows we have arrived. To me, our doggies will give their own recommendation and thumbs up with a ?fierce? wagging of tails and a happy greeting to every staff member.

My ?kids? go to day camp with all the other doggies their size, and they learn how to play with others, share the water bowl and the toys. Rover Oaks has one of the best daycamp?s in Houston because the dogs have a huge enclosed area to run and play. The day care staff are so very attentive and protective of each and every pet in their care, and they make sure that everyone in class is loved on and made to feel special.

Some weekends, ?our kids? need an overnight vacation from mommy and daddy, which has made Rover Oaks their home away from home. From the time they arrive to board, the staff makes the ?kids? feel special. The professionalism of Rover Oaks starts with the front desk?s attention to detail at check-in, which is amazing, with food and other special instructions being taken. Our kids stay in the bunkhouse, but the after hours staff is phenomenal. They always make you feel that your ?kids? are super special receiving a bunch of attention and loving. I don?t feel guilty leaving the kids on Holidays, because they get very special Holiday treats and Holiday attention. This attention is what makes Rover Oaks ?heads and tails? above other facilities. This is also why it is hard to get a reservation. In fact, Holiday reservations are booked a year in advance.

Our family now has a new addition; a 15 week old puppy. The puppy will follow his brothers and sister to Rover Oaks where he will go through their Board and Train program. Rover Oaks is like a Camp that you register for when your kids are born.

Over the years, some of the staff has changed, but the training, loving and caring attitude of every staff member has not changed. The facility is always immaculate and never smells, no matter time of day, and their doors are always open for a tour.

Our ?kids? truly believe that Rover Oaks Pet Resort is the best boarding, training, doggie daycare, and grooming in Houston.

Pros: HAPPY CAMPERS......GREAT STAFF.......GREAT FACILITY

Posted 08/26/09

I have been taking my awesome dog to Rover Oaks since she was a puppy. First we did a one month training session, where she stayed at Rover Oaks and spent the month being trained. She was a crazy lab puppy and they did a great job with her. We board her there whenever we go on a trip and she cannot wait to go. But what my dog looks forward to the most is Doggie Day Camp. I work all the time, so twice a week I drop her off for the day and she gets to play outside all day with her "friend dogs." The dogs are screened for temperment before they are even allowed into Day Camp, which alleviated my fear that she would be playing with some dog that is rough and out of control. She loves it so much that we cannot say the words Rover Oaks at home unless we are really planning to take her there - she gets so excited just hearing those words. The quaility of the treatment of our dog is incredible. Everyone knows who she is and when I drop her off I always feel like they think my dog is special. I cannot imagine taking my dog somewhere else!!

Pros: my dog comes home happy after every visit

Cons: It is very popular so you have schedule boarding early

Posted 08/26/09

We have been using Rover Oaks Houston for boarding for the past two years and would not leave our cocker spaniel anywhere else! The facilities are well maintained and the staff is wonderful. The last time, our cocker stayed for 5 nights in a standard luxury suite (we had a destination wedding & honeymoon after so it was quite a long vacation) and she did great, it?s as close to leaving her with family as you can get! I even called in to check on her from time to time and the staff was happy to give me updates. We haven?t used any of the other services at Rover Oaks but it?s a safe assumption that they meet expectations. Can?t say enough wonderful things about Rover Oaks Houston!!

Pros: Happy Dog, Great Place

Cons: None

Posted 08/03/09

The only place I would drop my dogs for boarding in Houston. Wonderful staff. I never worry about leaving the pups at this fine establishment. Kepp up the good work!

Pros: Happy Dogs, Great Staff!

Posted 06/02/09

My dogs always come home from Rover Oaks healthy and happy! The facility is always clean and the staff is very friends and helpful. I recommend Rover Oaks to all my friends with pets!

Posted 01/31/09

If I can't get my pet sitter to come stay in my home, the next best option is Rover Oaks Pet Resort. I have used both facilities (W Bellfort and Katy, TX) and highly recommend both. The facilities are impeccable and the staff is always courteous. It is clear that they love their jobs and your animals. Make your reservations early as this facility fills up fast--for good reason! They also carry a wide selection of great dog products, the groomers are great (if you stay over ten days they give your animal a complimentary bath if I am not mistaken), and both of my dogs have gone through their obedience classes. I have never left my dogs at Doggie Day-Care but every time I stop in to get some food/supplies, the day-care dogs look like they are having a ball!

Pros: Clean facility, courtesy of staff, website, selection of pet products

Cons: Add-ons for boarding can get a little pricey (i.e., extra playtime)

Posted 11/13/08

If you've never been to Rover Oaks Pet Resort - go in for a visit. Just pop in for a tour unannounced. The staff will be more than willing to take you around they facility proudly. We've been using Rover Oaks for almost 9 months now with our Schnauzer. We first heard about Rover Oaks through a friend of ours who had training done there. Since we were in desperate need for training we decided to check it out. Upon our surprise arrival for a tour we were greeted with friendly, smiling staff. We must have come during their peak hours because the lobby was full of people. Regardless how busy they were we were still greeted immediately by a girl name Erica. I explained to her that my husband and I were there for a tour but could come back as we saw they were busy. I was told not to worry someone would be out right away to give us a tour. Within a minute we were greeted by a very tall gentlemen (I did not see a name tag) who came right out and shook our hands. The place was amazing! The small rooms the dogs can stay in have TV's, beds, glass doors and the walls are all painted different themes! Best of all it did not stink like the few other places we looked at! When the tour was finished the gentlemen got a trainer as I has told him that's what we were there for. Both of the girls, Amber and Charla came out and introduced themselves. We explained what we wanted and they met our needs with a program that best fit our schedule. They even took pictures of her and emailed them to us because we missed them so much. It's now been 8 months since she has been trained and I can't tell you the difference Rover Oaks made. Great experience and we will be using their place again for our new puppy in December. Our puppy was also given a free bath before we picked her up. She smelled wonderful and looked great!
Thank you Rover Oaks for helping us feel at ease during our puppy's stay.

Pros: Wonderful training and costumer service staff! Beautiful building and decent pricing for what you get!

Cons: Always booked for Holidays so call early!

Posted 11/08/08

I began using Rover Oaks services approximately 6 months ago. I have a coton with separation anxiety. The training staff (Charla was his primary trainer and Amber also answered questions) taught him to respond well to commands. They integrated him into doggy day care. He went from a shy, skiddish dog to a confident young adult. He loves doggy daycare and practically wiggles himself out of my arms to get inside. The day care staff are phenomenal. You can see the care and concern that they have for each dog and I appreciate all of them. I have had only positive interactions with the management and with the front desk staff. After 6 months, I count them as friends to me and my dogs (we've gotten a second coton that they are helping to train and socialize). I use Annie to groom both cotons and they have good looking and manageable cuts. She also is exceptional.
One of my cotons has bad tear staining. The grooming and daycare staff were concerned enough to call me and suggest that I talk to my veterinarian about treatment, which I did promptly. Charla pointed out that my newest dog had an umbilical hernia which my outstanding vet had not pointed out to me.
I cannot say enough about the Rover Oaks staff.
Additionally, the facility is beautiful and I enjoy dropping off my dogs and picking them up.
When I purchased my first dog, his breeder used Innova dog food. Rover Oaks carries this brand and recommended shampoos and conditioners and learning toys.
Rover Oaks has changed our life and our dogs' lives.

Pros: SERVICE, SERVICE, SERViCE and a great facility.

Cons: NONE>

Posted 10/02/08

Good luck on these people ever answering the phone or responding to an email. I've tried to make an appointment just for grooming, and not even an answering machine. I can only imagine the attention that my dogs would get if they were ever allowed there! I definitely believe this place is WAY over-rated.

Posted 09/26/08

I have nothing but GREAT reviews for Rover Oaks! What a CLEAN, and inviting facility. The trainers are educated, and it doesn't seem like there only goal is to make money at all costs. I would reccommend this place over man's best friend any day!

Pros: WONDERFUL STAFF and GREAT PRICING

Cons: ??

Posted 08/16/08

Our special furry child has been in Rover Oaks doggie daycare for almost two years. The daycare staff and management are expectional in caring for the dogs. I appreciate the knowledge and exceptional standards that the management and staff adhere to in order to avoid my dog being in setting with other dogs that are not of comparable temperment and behavior. Pat, the doggie daycare manager, is exceptional in ensuring the safety of the doggie daycare dogs and has always been as accomodating as she can possibly can be in meeting any special needs of the dogs. I'm grateful that dogs who exhibit behavior and actions that would jeopordize the safety of the other dogs are dealt with appropriately. It is obvious that the entire staff love the dogs and enjoy caring for the dogs as much as the dogs love being there. We love Rover Oaks and so does or little furry girlie girl!

We also love the boarding facilities and staff. The luxery suites and individual care and pampering that the staff do are truly fantastic. I don't leave my furry kid anywhere else!

Posted 06/01/08

I would be stressed out if I ever had to leave my girls at any other kennel! The staff is always highly responsive to special requests and needs. My girls know this is their second home and they always have a great time at Rover Oaks! One word of warning - book early - because you do not want to resort to your second choice!

Pros: Luxury suites, doggie day camp

Cons: Popularity

Posted 04/23/08

As evident from all the reviews, Rover Oaks is by far the best boarding, daycare, training and grooming facility in Houston. The staff is terriffic. My experience with the staff has been overwhelmingly positive. They care, they are friendly, responsive and very knowledgable. I have enrolled my Golden in daycare for over a year. The facility is clean, well organized and safe for my pet. The daycare is well supervised and I always see two or three attendants on-site at all times. One of the reasons I recommend Rover Oaks is due to the initial dominance testing to insure all dogs accepted have the correct temperment for daycare. This assures me that my dog will be safe, get along with the other dogs and enjoy herself. Doggie Daycare is not for every dog. The staff appears to me to take great care to insure that all the dogs are compatable and that they safely enjoy themselves. My dog has a blast and is usually very tired when I pick her up. I recommend Rover Oaks. It is a first class facility.

Pros: Staff attention, Clean, staff knowledgable

Cons: Needs to open a third facility in North Houston

Posted 04/20/08

Not only did it take over 7 months to get my dog in to this facility (half of which on a wait list) and the other half calling and calling and only getting responses every 3-4 weeks, but the staff member in charge of doggie daycare turned over 3 times in 3 months... I was explained the policy for "problem" dogs once accepted into doggie daycare was they were watched and worked with then put on probation and then could come back again. HOWEVER, on my dogs first day I was told that he "mounted excessively" (which turned out to be 2 times) and they apparently decided not to stick to their policy and kicked my dog out and told us to go to another doggie daycare place. Customer service was awful, they were never nice and so inefficient!

Posted 04/16/08

I have boarded our Golden at Rover Oaks several times over the past three years. She was also trained by the Rover Oaks staff. We are grateful for all of the knowledge from the staff and the care they give our dog. We truly love our pet because of the training and know when we leave town she will be well taken care of. We also know everything we have done to train her will be followed so that her routine isn't dramatically changed. The kennels are immaculate. The suites are over the top. We've had a couple of disappointments with sellouts around holidays and were fortunate a couple of times to be called from the wait list. BOOK EARLY. It may be pricey, but the peace of mind is worth every cent.

Pros: Caring staff, clean kennels,

Cons: Book early, calender fills up fast around holidays

Posted 03/19/08

I love the staff here and my dogs are always happy and healthy when I go to pick them up. I always have an easy time of making appointments and they'll always remind me if either of my dogs need any of their shots or if I need to bring my dogs' updated records with me. It's maybe slightly more expensive than some places, but I know how big the "bunk" is my dogs are staying in and I know the staff will always feed them the food I bring for my pups. You're always welcome to bring extra toys, pillows, blankets and treats for your pets during their stay, which I know my dogs appreciate immensely. They get playtime with other dogs and are allowed out into the yard 4 times a day. You get the option to purchase extra playtime too. For a little extra, there are some suites for rent too! ;)
I had one snafu with the grooming department. I broke down one time we were heading out of town and asked them to trim up my one dog (a Schipperke/Collie mix). When I went to pick them up, they had given my other dog a bath free of charge which I was more than thankful for. However, after insisting they, under no circumstances should *shave* my Schipperke, but simply trim around his ears/bum/tail, they did! I was so upset and the manager on duty was extremely understanding. They called me the very next day to offer me a solution and they were very pleasant about the whole thing the whole time. While I'm still hunting for a good groomer, I have found my kennel! Just because of this one little incident, the professional manner of the grooming manager and the kennel manager are the reasons I keep going back and will always go back.

Their hours are convenient for pick up and drop off and parking is never a problem. I know there are some medications that they will charge you if they have to administer them and there is a surcharge if you want the premium (California Natural) dry dog food fed to your dog, which isn't a big deal since I always send along my own anyways.

Pros: Clean, helpful staff, more than enough parking.

Cons: Maybe just a little expensive, but well worth it!

Posted 11/19/07

We have taken our lab puppy, Scarlett, to Rover Oaks for training and boarding, and they have been great! She is still a crazy puppy, but she has all the fundamentals, sit, stay, down, here. We have taken her for boarding quite a few times-they always remember us and are super helpful. Letting me know which dates are filling up early, etc. She always has such a ball, comes home pooped, happy, and clean! They are our first choice for boarding, and we are planning on taking her for round two of training soon.

Pros: clean enviornment, helpful staff, try the lamb loaf--Scarlett loves it

Cons: they do fill up fast on holidays so make sure and book early!

Posted 02/01/07

Judy Cantu at Rover Oaks is an excellent groomer. She has won numerous awards for grooming around the country. She is also very thorough and observant and points out anything she sees that may need attention by my vet. I appreciate her professionalism and positive personality. And my Soft Coaten Wheaten Terrier adores her!! She makes him look the the champion he is.

Posted 10/06/06

Judi Cantu at Rover Oaks is a world class groomer. My two bichon frises get so excited when they go there to see her and come out looking like exquisite show dogs and smell heavenly too! I highly recommend her and Rover Oaks for excellent grooming. It is the best we have experienced in Houston.

Posted 10/03/06

Rover Oaks may have great boarding, but AVOID this place for grooming if you have a terrier. My beautiful Norwich just came home shaved to the scalp, looking WAAAY more like a chihuahua than herself. They claim to have an expert on staff. They do not.

Posted 08/22/06

I have taken my dogs to Rover Oaks since it's opening. During the week to two vacations or business trips I never worried about my dogs. Some people eat fast food and some eat gormet; for my dogs I look for a gormet residence to keep them. I appreciate the cleanliness of the establishment and the attention given to me and my dogs. I drive a good distance to take them to Rover Oaks because my pups deserve the best. I never found the staff distant but I have found them busy tending to clients. I accept this; I personally do not need to be pampered with attention...just my dogs.

Posted 06/12/06

havent had much luck with the front desk. they are impersonable & take too long - they act like they have something else to do besides help you. for the price, i'd rather go else where. plus the drive from the heights is not desirable.

Posted 05/18/06

The staff at Rover Oaks are all professional and courteous, and treat my dogs like they are humans checking in to a hotel. If you can afford the $20-30/night per dog, I highly recommend Rover Oaks. You won't have to worry about your dogs while you are away - mine are always chipper and wagging their tails when I pick them up!!

Pros: Customer service, hours

Posted 11/11/04